Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 21st that the party will push a bill supporting the government's three mega-projects as its top legislative priority in the regular National Assembly session.
"We will firmly back the three mega-projects that will get South Korea running again," Kim said at a party supreme council meeting at the National Assembly. The Democratic Party introduced the bill a day earlier, formally titled the special act on designating and operating mega-region strategic industry zones for locally led growth. It sets out grounds for deregulation and government support for the planned mega-zones.
Kim described the bill as legislation "to break through the crisis of regional decline and overhaul the growth framework." He added, "Through infrastructure, sweeping fiscal, financial and tax support, and bold streamlining of regulations, we will help regions stand as drivers of future industries."
"We are keenly aware that there are diverse voices on advanced research and development and on working-hour rules," he said. "Through swift discussions, we will produce a reasonable alternative that does not undermine the value of labor while preserving competitiveness." The party has yet to decide whether to include in the bill the so-called white-collar exemption sought by business groups, which would exempt high-earning and research workers from the 52-hour workweek cap. It plans to introduce two versions of the bill — one with the provision and one without — and reach a final decision after internal deliberation.
Turning to the opposition, Kim said, "We urge the opposition party's active participation in swiftly passing the mega-region zone bill to win the global technology war."
Separately, Kim named former prosecutor Seo Ji-hyun as an additional co-chair of the party's new special committee on eradicating dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, alongside lawmaker Song Ok-ju, who had already been appointed. "We will work out support measures so that the police can be stronger and more resolute against crime, and warmer and more trusted by the public," Kim said.
Marking the 81st Police Day, Kim said, "I thank all police officers who work day and night to protect the lives and property of the people." He added, "This is a critical period in which a new criminal justice system that strictly separates investigation from prosecution must take root. Please make your efforts with a greater sense of responsibility."